Capitoline Museums

Perched atop Rome’s historic Capitoline Hill, the Capitoline Museums (Musei Capitolini) hold the distinction of being the world’s first public museum, inaugurated in 1734. This iconic complex includes three magnificent buildings—Palazzo dei Conservatori, Palazzo Nuovo, and Palazzo Senatorio—arranged around the Michelangelo-designed Piazza del Campidoglio.The Capitoline Museums are celebrated for their rich collections of ancient Roman statues, inscriptions, and artifacts, as well as an impressive array of Renaissance art and paintings. Visitors can marvel at the original equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, the emblematic Capitoline Wolf with Romulus and Remus, and masterpieces by Caravaggio, Titian, and Rubens. Notable ancient sculptures such as the Dying Gaul and Capitoline Venus offer profound insights into Roman artistry and cultural achievements.